Enhancing Clinical Learning Environments in Radiography Education.

Abstract

Purpose: To qualitatively investigate how students' interactions with radiologic technologists during clinical rotations influence student learning outcomes, emotional well-being, and professional identity formation in radiography programs based in the United States.

Methods: An analysis of responses from 55 graduates of radiography programs was conducted using an electronic questionnaire consisting of 6 open-ended questions. Participants were distributed across 12 cohorts and clinical sites and had graduated in 2013 through 2024. Data analysis followed thematic analysis framework with an abductive coding approach, integrating established radiography education theoretical codes with emergent codes.

Results: Slightly more than half (50.9%) of participants reported exclusively positive experiences with radiologic technologists characterized by willingness to teach, encouragement, and helpfulness, and 9.1% reported purely negative experiences characterized by poor attitudes toward students, unhelpfulness, and resistance to teaching. The remaining 40.0% reported mixed experiences. Positive interactions enhanced clinical performance, confidence, and professional identity; negative experiences diminished motivation, created emotional distress, and influenced career trajectories. Participants who encountered negative treatment often made conscious decisions to not repeat negative behaviors if they interact with students.

Discussion: The findings demonstrate that interactions with radiologic technologists shape future imaging professionals' development. The substantial proportion of participants who reported mixed experiences indicates room for improvement in clinical learning environments.

Conclusion: Evidence-based recommendations include structured education for clinical instructors, enhanced student mentorship programs, improved preclinical preparation, and strengthened communication systems between students and faculty. This research provides insights into optimizing clinical learning environments and supporting development of students into competent, confident imaging professionals.